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Jamaica

The People Living with HIV Stigma Index The Jamaica was conducted in 2012.

There were more female and less male respondents than estimated. There were also a limited number of persons who classified themselves as transgender (3 persons); the small numbers of respondents within this category makes it difficult to make valid assessments about the group. Therefore, while they have been included in some tables, there is no analysis of their needs and circumstances.

One common complaint across the regions was that the youth population was especially reluctant to participate. Health and social workers suggested that this had much to do with the levels of discrimination that young people encounter and/or perceive that they are likely to encounter. Furthermore, younger persons, particularly those who are recently diagnosed, appear to have greater difficulty managing their emotions and are, correspondingly, less amenable to discussing their experiences. Thus, while the survey anticipated 17 persons aged 16-19, only 6 participated in the study. Eighty-three (83) PLHIVs aged 20-29 participated, as opposed to the 114 anticipated.

Of the 84 males who identified that they were involved in relationships, 23.8% (20 men) have been involved with their partners for up to one year; 27.4% have been involved with their partners for between 1 and 4 years; 23.8% have been involved for between 5 and 9 years; 14.3% have been involved for between 10 and 14 years while 10.7% have been involved for 15 years and over.

Of the 165 females who identified that they were involved in relationships, 15.8% (26 women) have been involved with their partners for up to one year; 40% have been involved with their partners for between 1 and 4 years; 21.8% have been involved for between 5 and 9 years; 13.3% have been involved for between 10 and 14 years while 9.1% have been involved for 15 years and over.

The majority of PLHIVs who are involved in relationships are sexually active:

a. 97.2% of males whose partners are living in the household;

b. 70% of males are living or working away;

c. 82.4% of males who are involved in a relationship with a partner they do not live with;

d. 86.2% of females whose partners are living in the household;

e. 77.8% of females whose partners are living or working away; and

f. 81.8% of females who are involved in a relationship with a partner they do not live with.

Of the 99 males who list their relationship status as single, 57.6% (57 men) stated that they are not sexually active. Of the 123 women who listed their relationship status as single, 81.3% (100 females) stated that they are not sexually active. (Note that respondents were, generally, uncomfortable with answering this question and it is, therefore, difficult to assess whether the data is reliable.)